Star Athlete Accused: Hakimi Set for Rape Trial After Court Upholds Allegations
Paris Saint-Germain defender and Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial for an alleged rape case, as a French appeals court recently upheld judicial proceedings against him. Hakimi has consistently denied the allegations, which first surfaced in February 2023, and has publicly expressed his readiness to defend himself in court. The case continues to attract significant public interest due to his high profile.The French appeals court has ruled that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over an alleged rape case. This significant development follows the Versailles Court of Appeal upholding earlier judicial proceedings against the Moroccan international on Friday. The allegations themselves date back to February 2023, stemming from a complaint filed by a 24-year-old woman who reported the incident to police in the Val-de-Marne region, located south-east of Paris.
Achraf Hakimi, a prominent right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and the captain of the Moroccan national team, has consistently and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing since they first emerged. Following the appeals court’s recent decision, the 27-year-old took to social media platform X to reiterate his position and express his anticipation for the opportunity to present his case. He stated, "I have been waiting for this trial since day one. At last, I will be able to speak," underscoring his desire to actively participate in his defense.
Despite the upholding of the judicial proceedings, a specific date for the commencement of the trial before the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department has not yet been set. Hakimi’s legal team emphasized that this ruling does not constitute a finding of guilt, with his lawyer, Fanny Colin, asserting that the confirmation was expected and that their client remains confident in his defense. Colin stated, "Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything; he remains steadfast in his defence." The case continues to attract considerable public interest, particularly given Hakimi’s status as one of Morocco’s most well-known footballers and a key player at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under French law, the upcoming trial will provide a platform for both the prosecution and the defense to present their respective evidence, ultimately allowing the court to determine the substantiation of the allegations.